Acura Integra GS-R Coupe

From Acura press: As the entry-level Acura, the Integra embodies all the virtues that have established Acura as the number one luxury import brand in the U.S. market. It features superb road manners and excellent handling, an advanced powertrain, an aerodynamic exterior shape and a comfortable, ergonomic cockpit designed to make driving enjoyable and safe.

The Integra, like all Acura automobiles, is dedicated to the proposition that driving is its own reward. (Please note: the limited edition Integra Type R is covered in a special section immediately following this technical information.)

The GS-R model features a 1.8-liter engine equipped with the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system pioneered in the Acura NSX. It also features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), a dual-stage intake system, a knock sensor, a crankshaft reinforcing bridge, oil jet piston cooling and a number of other innovations to improve reliability and durability, and to provide smoother operation. All this adds up to 170 horsepower at 7600 rpm and 128 lbs-ft of torque at 6200 rpm. These impressive figures give it one of the highest specific outputs of any normally aspirated engine sold in the U.S. The VTEC system, first pioneered in the Acura NSX, works similar performance magic in the Integra GS-R. As the performance of the NSX has already amply demonstrated, VTEC is an innovative solution to an age-old automotive engineering problem.

It elegantly solves the trade-off between tuning an engine for either high-end horsepower or low-end torque. With VTEC, Acura engineers no longer have to compromise between the two. VTEC-equipped engines can have the best of both, especially when the system works in conjunction with the dual-stage intake manifold.

The VTEC system uses three cam lobes and three corresponding rocker arms for each pair of valves. The VTEC system operates on both the intake and exhaust valves. The two outer cam lobes have a profile that optimizes low-speed torque and response. The middle lobe has a high-lift, longer-duration profile that is designed to optimize high-end horsepower.